Swiss boss defends Xhaka and Embolo recalls for Scotland clash

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has defended his decision to recall experienced duo Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo for their upcoming international match against Scotland. The Swiss boss insisted the pair's quality and leadership are vital for the team's campaign, especially against a side that suffered a 2-1 home loss to Slovenia on 6 October.

Yakin confirmed the call-ups, stating the players' form and experience are needed as the team prepares for a key phase. He dismissed any suggestion that their returns were controversial.

Scotland's recent form has been mixed, with one win, one draw and two defeats in their last four outings. Their most recent result was a 2-1 home loss to Slovenia on 6 October, where Ryan Christie scored a first-half opener before the visitors fought back. That defeat followed a 2-0 away win against FYR Macedonia three days earlier, with goals from Kieron Bowie and John McGinn. The sequence of results, which began with a 0-0 draw in Slovenia and a 0-3 home defeat to Switzerland in September, illustrates the team's inconsistency.

The next fixture for Steve Clarke's side is a return match against FYR Macedonia at home on Friday 13 November. Scotland will be looking to build on their victory in Skopje and improve their standing. In that earlier away win, Kieron Bowie opened the scoring in the seventh minute before John McGinn added a penalty in the 69th.

Yakin's comments set the stage for a tactical battle, with Switzerland looking to utilise their returning stars. Scotland's defence, which conceded three goals to the Swiss in a 3-0 defeat last September, will need to be alert. The Swiss manager's faith in his recalled veterans adds an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, particularly as Scotland aim to avenge that heavy loss and find momentum ahead of their next fixture.